Stormers head coach John Dobson has shed light on how Bongi Mbonambi secured a swift exit from the Sharks, allowing the experienced Springbok hooker to return to Cape Town on a short-term contract.
Mbonambi’s departure from Durban follows a disciplinary issue that reportedly brought his time with the Sharks to an abrupt end. The hooker had been stood down from playing duties amid the matter before the Stormers moved to sign him on a one-year deal.
The Cape Town-based franchise acted quickly to address an injury crisis at hooker, bringing the 35-year-old straight into the matchday squad for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter against Ulster.
Dobson revealed that the move came together after he personally contacted Mbonambi about the possibility of returning to his former team.
Dobson Reveals How the Deal Came Together
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Dobson explained that Mbonambi’s relationship with the Sharks was already approaching its conclusion when the Stormers began exploring their options at hooker.
“It was common knowledge that Bongi’s relationship with the Sharks was coming to an end and we had a problem at hooker,” Dobson said.
The Stormers coach revealed that he contacted the front-row forward directly to establish whether he would consider joining the Cape franchise if his time in Durban came to an end.
Dobson also indicated that conversations covered Mbonambi’s ambitions for the coming months, including his desire to return to the Springboks setup.
According to the coach, the Sharks then accelerated the release process, enabling the player to make the switch without unnecessary delays.
“The Sharks expedited things and signed the release so that he could come and play for us. It was just good timing,” Dobson explained.
Stormers Back Mbonambi Despite Recent Controversy
Mbonambi’s arrival comes against the backdrop of the disciplinary issue that disrupted his final period with the Sharks. However, Dobson made it clear that his own experience of working with the hooker had been positive.
The pair previously worked together at the Stormers, where Mbonambi made 74 appearances between 2015 and 2021. They also crossed paths through the Barbarians setup.
Dobson said he could not comment on the circumstances surrounding the player’s departure from Durban but expressed confidence in Mbonambi’s professionalism and ability to settle back into familiar surroundings.
“I worked with Bongi for quite a few years at the Stormers. There were high levels of trust and professionalism,” he said, adding that his experience of the player had been extremely positive.
The coach also stressed that the new agreement was not intended as a long-term recruitment move. Instead, Mbonambi has been brought in primarily to provide cover while the Stormers manage their injury problems at hooker.
Why the Stormers Are Eager to Get Bongi Playing
Although Mbonambi is reported to be in good physical condition, he had not trained with the Stormers before being included in the squad.
Dobson explained that getting the experienced hooker back into competitive action was important, particularly with a three- to four-week break approaching in the URC schedule.
Waiting until after the break could have left Mbonambi several additional weeks without match action, something the coaching staff wanted to avoid.
Hookers require regular exposure to the physical demands of scrummaging and mauling, making competitive preparation especially important for the position.
The Stormers are therefore keen to accelerate Mbonambi’s return to the field as they attempt to navigate their current injury crisis.
Bongi Mbonambi Returns to Familiar Territory
The move marks a return to the club where Mbonambi previously spent six seasons and established himself as an important figure in South African rugby.
His experience at both club and international level gives the Stormers an established option in a position where depth has become a concern.
The short-term arrangement also offers Mbonambi an opportunity to rebuild his match fitness and pursue his stated ambition of returning to the Springboks picture.
His inclusion in the squad for the Ulster fixture provides an immediate opportunity for the hooker to resume playing, although his precise role will depend on the team’s matchday requirements.
For Dobson and the Stormers, the signing represents a timely solution to an urgent squad problem. For Mbonambi, it offers a fresh start at a club he already knows well.
Stormers Team to Face Ulster
Starting XV
- Damian Willemse
- Seabelo Senatla
- Ruhan Nel (captain)
- Jonathan Roche
- Leolin Zas
- Yaqeen Ahmed
- Cobus Reinach
- Evan Roos
- Louw Nel
- Paul de Villiers
- JD Schickerling
- Adré Smith
- Wilco Louw
- Vernon Paulo
- Ntuthuko Mchunu
Replacements
- Bongi Mbonambi
- Vernon Matongo
- Neethling Fouché
- Riley Norton
- Connor Evans
- Wandile Mlaba
- Haashim Pead
- Wandisile Simelane
Mbonambi is listed among the replacements for the Ulster clash, giving the Stormers an experienced option off the bench as they look to manage their hooker shortage.
His return will be closely watched by Stormers supporters and Springbok fans alike, with attention now turning to how quickly he can regain match sharpness and make an impact in Cape Town.
